Somewhere in Country N, a sleek black car rolled to a stop. A young man stepped out, his polished Cloud-brand shoes clicking sharply against the pavement. He adjusted his transparent glasses and smoothed down his well-tailored black three-piece suit, radiating quiet confidence and control.
His name was Alder Smith—a man whose reputation preceded him. Known for his ruthless business acumen and devastating charm, Alder looked more like a carefree model than the cold, calculating CEO he truly was. With shoulder-length hair that softened his sharp features, many mistook him for a playboy at first glance—which he was. Yet beneath that approachable mask was a man feared in business circles for never forgiving a slight.
He was the second son of the prestigious Smith family, known for dominating the clothing industry in Country N. Their latest collaboration? A high-stakes fashion show with Cloud, set to launch in just three days.
As Alder entered the Smith building, employees greeted him with polite smiles. He returned them with his trademark smirk—one that never quite reached his eyes. Behind him walked his secretary, a cold and efficient woman in a black suit who somehow looked even more intimidating than her boss.
After reviewing a stack of documents in his sleek office, Alder's secretary informed him that his older brother wished to see him.
"Okay," he muttered, rising with casual grace. His movements were precise—controlled. But there was always something simmering beneath his surface. Something broken.
---
Inside Leif Smith's Office
"Hi," Alder greeted as he stepped in, the tension barely masked under his laid-back tone.
"How are you doing?" Leif Smith—his older brother—replied with a warm smile, gesturing for him to sit.
"How's the process for the fashion show? Are the designs ready?" Leif asked, his voice all business.
"It's going fine… as I heard," Alder said with a shrug.
Leif's smile tightened. "Don't get me mad, Alder."
Alder chuckled. "Why would you get mad? For what?"
Leif's expression hardened. "Can you be serious? The fashion show is in three days and you don't know if the clothes are ready or not?"
"I just told you it's going fine—as I heard. What more do you want?" Alder said with a grin.
"You heard? Shouldn't you know if the clothes are ready or not?" Leif repeated, voice raised.
"I'm not the designer, Leif. And you can always go check yourself or ask Sage to go. I'm just here to look handsome—as the face of the business," Alder replied, clearly enjoying himself.
That was the final straw. Leif's anger wasn't because of Alder's arrogance—it was the indifference, the emotional wall he'd built over the years.
"When will you decide to grow up, Mr. Smith?" Leif asked sharply.
"I am a grown-up, Mr. Smith. I'm 31, bro." Alder crossed his leg, still smiling—but it didn't reach his eyes.
Leif sighed. His tone softened. "It's been four years. She's probably married with kids. And you still refuse to move on."
Alder went silent.
"I know you loved her," Leif continued, "but you can't keep acting nonchalant about the family business. Just like you said—you're the face of it. Act like one."
Leif just said what he hates hearing the most. Any matter that has to do with 4 years ago he hates hearing about it,but he stayed quiet not saying anything.
It wasn't that Alder had always been this indifferent. But ever since that incident four years ago, something inside him had broken. He wore his nonchalance like armor, hiding the pain he didn't want anyone to see.
I will see you later Alder said and left his brother's office,not caring about if his brother's still has something to say
---
Back in Alder's Office
Just as Alder got into his office Flora Montclair Alder's Fiance came in
Flora Montclair entered, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. She wore a pink gown designed by the Smiths, paired with royal blue heels and a matching bag. Radiant and poised, she flashed a bright smile.
"How do I look, Alder?" Flora asked, twirling slightly in front of his desk.
"Like Flora Montclair," Alder replied dryly, not looking up.
"Can you try to at least praise your fiancée once in a while?" she said with a pout, sitting across from him.
"Why are you here?" Alder asked, still expressionless.
"Why am I here? I'm your fiancée. Can't I see you anytime I want?" Flora asked with a hint of hurt.
"You've seen me now. You can leave." Alder gestured toward the door, cold and detached.
Flora flinched. "Alder, can you stop being cold to me? We're getting married in a few days. Why are you acting like am not your woman?."
Her voice trembled slightly. She knows he doesn't love her but no matter how many times he pushed her away, she clung to hope. She loved him—desperately—and the thought of losing him was unbearable. She kept fighting for a relationship she knew was one-sided, but her heart refused to give up.
"Okay… you can leave now," Alder said again, his tone final.
Flora rose in frustration and stormed out of the office.
---
Outside Alder's Office
Flora spotted Violet, one of Alder's assistants.
"Is there any other girl aside from you and the workers here around Alder?" Flora asked, her tone suspicious.
"No ma. Alder never allows any lady close to him," Violet replied.
"Are you sure?" Flora pressed.
"Yes ma'am. Some even think he's… maybe gay." Violet whispered the last part with a sheepish smile.
"Good," Flora said with a sigh of relief. Then, lowering her voice: "If you see any other woman around him—even a worker who looks like she has a crush—inform me."
She handed Violet a packet discreetly, then walked away.
---
The Cloud Company
At the Cloud office, Willow was arranging her designs when Cara approached.
"I heard the boss is giving you three months' leave. Are you pregnant?"
Willow ignored her.
"You're pregnant?" Wren chimed in, eyes gleaming.
Just like her name she's short, small but nothing melodious about her at all,she is like Cara always looking for ways to bring Willow down
"Don't you both have work? You're always around Willow as if she's your god" Jasmine asked sharply.
Cara crossed her arms. "It's unfair. No one else has ever gotten such luxury of having a long leave without a real reason. And now Willow gets three months without giving us a reason?"
"Maybe she has a good reason," Jasmine defended.
"Does she look sick? Getting married? Or Pregnant?" Clara asked.
Are you getting married? we are your colleagues if your getting married shouldn't you invite us Wren asked but Willow still chose to ignore her like she's nothing important
"Even if you don't speak, it's obvious something's going on between you and the boss," Cara pushed. "That's why he favors you over everyone."
"That's true," Wren added smugly.
Willow looked at both of them coolly. "Even if I have something with the boss, that's because I have ability. Do you?"
Wren scoffed. "When it comes to beauty, I believe I'm more beautiful."
"In your dreams," Jasmine said sarcastically.
"And I'm more talented," Cara added.
"Time to wake up," Elizabeth muttered under her breath. "Sorry, Miss Cara. Slip of the tongue," she added quickly. But she said that on purpose
Cara glared. "Don't worry, she's leaving soon. I'll be in charge then—and I'll teach you both a lesson."
As she and Wren walked away, Willow remained calm.
"Miss Willow, are you really leaving?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yes," Willow replied.
"When are you leaving?" Jasmine added.
"After the fashion show."
"That fast?" Jasmine frowned. "Are you in any kind of trouble?"
"I just want to rest," Willow said softly with a small smile.
"When will you be back?" Elizabeth asked.
"After three months maybe," Willow lied, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.
"I will miss you Miss Willow," Elizabeth said with a pout.
"I will Miss you also" Jasmine said
"I'll miss you all too," Willow replied.
---
Fashion Show Day
The venue buzzed with excitement. Models strutted across the runway in the signature designs of Cloud and Smith, while the crowd roared in admiration.
In the audience Alder and Leif sitting side by side while Flora sat beside Alder and beside Leif a lady probably his wife sitting as they converse probably talking about the styles and models while Flora chatted animatedly with Alder trying to get his attention while he merely nodded along
Willow stood among the crowd looking at where Alder was with Flora as she gave a smile before going to the restroom because she felt headache
Willow stood behind the crowd, where other staff stood beside her admiring their own work. Willow eyes quietly observing Alder expressionless. Her gaze shifted to Flora beside him. She smiled faintly, then turned away, overwhelmed by a sudden wave of dizziness.
---
Restroom
Willow leaned over the sink, clutching it tightly. Her reflection stared back—pale, exhausted, pretending.
She popped two pills from a small bottle, swallowing them with water and forcing a shaky smile. Just a little longer.
Willow looked at herself wearing black pants and black big round tee shirt tucked in a portion of the tee in her pants so it wouldn't look too big, with a black nose masked under her chin.
Pulling her mask back on, she left the restroom—only to bump into Flora in the hallway.
They exchanged polite nods.
She really is beautiful, Willow thought.
Outside the restroom stood Alder, looking like he was waiting for someone.
He must've escorted his fiancée, Willow assumed, lowering her gaze to avoid being seen.
But just as she walked past, she heard his voice behind her.
"Hey, Miss."
She froze.